CN102414583B

CN102414583B - Digital projector using arrayed light sources

Info

Publication number: CN102414583B
Application number: CN201080018794.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·A·哈兰; 巴里·大卫·西尔弗斯坦; 詹姆斯·罗伯特·基尔舍
Original assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Current assignee: Image Emea; Imax Corp; Imax EMEA Ltd
Priority date: 2009-04-30
Filing date: 2010-04-16
Publication date: 2014-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-16
Also published as: CN102414583A; US8132919B2; JP2012525604A; JP5518183B2; EP2425282B1; US20100277698A1; TW201100867A; EP2425282A1; WO2010126566A1; TWI464451B

Abstract

A beam alignment chamber extending in a length direction comprising a base having a front edge, and two side edges, first and second opposed side walls connected to the base, and extending along the length of the base, a front wall located at the front edge of the base having an output opening. The beam alignment chamber further comprises a plurality of arrays of light sources disposed to direct light beams through the first or second side walls, and a plurality of reflectors mounted on the base, each having independent yaw and pitch adjustments, each reflector being paired with a corresponding array of light sources, the base-mounted reflectors being disposed to direct the light beams along the length of the beam alignment chamber through the output opening forming an aligned two-dimensional array of parallel light beams.

Description

Use the digital projector of array light source

Technical field

A kind of device for projection digital picture of relate generally to of the present invention, relates in particular to a kind of for aiming at the improved apparatus and method as the solid-state laser of light source.

Background technology

In order to be considered to be suitable for replacing traditional film projector, digital projection system particularly polychrome motion-picture projection system must meet the harsh requirement to picture quality and performance.This means high resolving power, wide colour gamut, high brightness and surpasses 1,000: 1 the continuous contrast ratio of frame in further feature.

For the most promising scheme of polychrome digital cinema projection, adopt one of the spatial light modulator (SLM, spatial light modulator) of two kinds of fundamental types as imaging device.The spatial light modulator of the first kind is by (the Texas Instruments of Texas Instruments Inc. of the Dallas of Texas, Inc.) Digital Light Processor (DLP of exploitation, Digital Light Processor)---a kind of digital micromirror device (DMD, digital micromirror device).In many patents, described DLP equipment, for example United States Patent (USP) 4,441, and No. 791,5,535, No. 047,5,600, No. 383 (all belonging to Hornbeck) and No. 5,719,695, United States Patent (USP) (Heimbuch).At United States Patent (USP) 5,914, in No. 818 people such as () Tejada, 5,930, No. 050 (Dewald), 6,008, No. 951 (Anderson) and 6,089, No. 717 (Iwai), disclose for the optical design that adopts the projection arrangement of DLP.DLP is successfully applied in digital projection system.

Fig. 1 illustrates the simplified block diagram of the projector apparatus 10 that uses DLP spatial light modulator.Light source 12 is provided to polychromatic light in prism assemblies 14 (for example,, such as Philips prism).Prism assemblies 14 is divided into polychromatic light the wave band of redness, green and blue composition, and guides each wave band into corresponding

spatial light modulator

20r, 20g or 20b.Prism assemblies 14 is then again synthetic from the light after the modulation of each SLM20r, 20g and 20b, and this light is offered to projecting lens 30 to project on display screen or other suitable surface.

Although the projector based on DLP has proved the ability that the light handling capacity, contrast ratio and the colour gamut that need are provided for the most of projection application from desktop computer to large-scale film, but because current device only provides 2148 * 1080 pixel, therefore there is intrinsic resolution restriction.In addition, parts and system expensive limited DLP design to the adaptability of quality digital motion-picture projection more.In addition, Philips prism or other suitable prism and cost, size, weight and the complicacy with the fast projection lens of the required long reach of brightness are the acceptability of these equipment and availability to be had to the inherent constraint of negative effect.

The spatial light modulator that is used for the Second Type of digital projection is LCD (liquid crystal apparatus).LCD by for each respective pixel optionally the polarization state of modulating the incident light form the image as pel array.LCD, as the spatial light modulator for quality digital motion-picture projection system, demonstrates and has multiple advantage.These advantages comprise relatively large equipment size, good equipment yield and manufacture the more ability of high-resolution equipment (for example 4096 * 2160 resolution equipment of Sony HeJVC company).In the example of electron image projector of utilizing LCD spatial light modulator, be disclosed in 5,808, No. 795 United States Patent (USP)s (people such as Shimomura), 5,798, No. 819 United States Patent (USP)s (people such as Hattori), 5,918, No. 961 United States Patent (USP)s (Ueda), 6,010, those examples in No. 121 United States Patent (USP)s (people such as Maki) and 6,062, No. 694 United States Patent (USP)s (people such as Oikawa).It is being promising especially aspect extensive image projection that LCOS (LiquidCrystal On Silicon, liquid crystal on silicon) equipment is considered to.Yet, LCD parts be difficult to maintain digital movie, particularly relevant for the high-quality requirement of color and contrast, this is because the high heat load of high-brightness projection affects the polarization quality of material.

The lasting problem of illumination efficiency relates to light exhibition amount (etendue), or similar ground, relates to Lagrange invariant.As known at optical field, light exhibition amount relates to can be by the handled light quantity of optical system.Potentially, light exhibition amount is larger, and image is brighter.On numerical value, light exhibition amount and two specific characters are that the product of image area and numerical aperture is proportional.With regard to the simplification optical system with light source 12, optical system 18 and spatial light modulator 20 represented in Fig. 2, light exhibition amount is the factor of the area of light source A1 and the output angle θ 1 of light source A1, and equals the area of modulator A2 and the acceptance angle θ 2 of modulator A2.For the brightness increasing, expectation provides light as much as possible from the region of light source 12.As universal principle, when the light exhibition amount at light source place is farthest closely mated with the light exhibition amount at modulator place, will be conducive to optical design.

For example, increase numerical aperture light exhibition amount is increased, make optical system more how to catch light.Similarly, increase source images size, light is produced from larger region, this increases light exhibition amount.For the light exhibition amount increasing in illumination side utilization, this light exhibition amount must be more than or equal to the light exhibition amount of light source.Yet conventionally, image is larger, optical element and support component cost is higher and size is larger.This is for especially true such as the equipment of LCOS and DLP parts, and wherein silicon substrate and defect gesture are along with size increases.As universal rule, the light exhibition amount of increase causes optical design more complicated and that cost is higher.Use is such as 5,907, and in No. 437 United States Patent (USP)s people such as () Sprotbery, the method for general introduction, as example, must measure to design the lenticular unit in optical system for large light exhibition.The source images region of the light that must be converged by system optics is the summation in the synthetic region of the spatial light modulator in ruddiness road, green light path and blue light road; Significantly, this is three times of formed final multicolor image area.That is, for 5,907, disclosed configuration in No. 437 United States Patent (USP)s, optics has been processed sizable image-region, due to red light path, green light path and blue light path be separate and must be assembled optically, therefore have Gao Guangzhan amount.In addition, although such as 5,907, in No. 437 United States Patent (USP)s, in disclosed configuration, processed the light from three times of areas of formed final multicolor image, but this configuration can not provide any benefit to increased brightness, this is because each color path only comprises 1/3rd of total optical power level.

When the light exhibition amount of light source and the light exhibition amount of spatial light modulator are mated well, efficiency improves.The light exhibition amount of poor coupling means that optical system is light hunger (can not provide enough light for spatial light modulator), or optical system is inefficient (in fact abandoning most of light for modulating producing).

Up to the present, proved that take object that acceptable system cost provides adequate brightness as digital movie application is difficult to grasp for the deviser of LCD system and DLP system.System based on LCD is involved the demand of polarized light, even in the situation that having used polarization recovery techniques, has still reduced efficiency and has increased light exhibition amount.Prove, it is more effective a little not needing the DLP equipment design of polarized light, but still needs expensive, short-life lamp and expensive light engine, and this makes it too expensive and can not compete mutually with traditional motion-picture projection device.

For, optical projection system based on film competition high-end with tradition, and provide the thing that is called as film electronics or numeral, digital projector must can realize to be comparable to this morning equipment film brightness degree.As some concepts of ratio, common theater needs 10,000 lumen magnitudes to be projected in the screen size that diagonal line is approximately 40 feet of magnitudes.The scope of screen needs any position from 5,000 lumens to 40, more than 000 lumen.Except the brightness requirement of this harshness, these projector also must be sent high resolving power (2048 * 1080 pixel) and contrast and the wide colour gamut of approximately 2000: 1 are provided.

Prove, some digital cinema projector designs can realize this performance rate.Yet high equipment and operating cost have become obstacle.The common every cover cost of projection arrangement that meets these requirements surpasses 50,000 dollars, and utilizes the high watt xenon arc lamp that needed replacement every 500 to 2000 hours, and its alternative costs are conventionally over 1000 dollars.The large light exhibition amount of xenon lamp has considerable influence to cost and complexity, and this is because it needs optical element relatively fast, to gather light projected light from these sources.

The two a common shortcoming of DLP and LCOS LCD spatial light modulator (SLM) is that it uses the particularly limited capability of lasing light emitter of solid state light emitter.Although these light sources are better than the light source of other type for relative spectral purity and potential high brightness level, solid state light emitter needs diverse ways, to effectively use these advantages.With together with digital projector design early, use, for the light to from sources of color, regulate, be redirected and the classic method of combination and the good degree that equipment may suppress to use laser array light source.

The improvement of solid-state laser promise on light exhibition amount, life-span and total spectrum and brightness constancy, still, up to date, can not send visible ray to meet digital movie requirement yet with enough energy levels and within the scope of required cost.In more recent development, VCSEL laser array is by commercialization, and demonstrates some as the future of potential light source.Yet, need to be from the synthetic light of the independent array of 9 more than, to provide the brightness needing for each color.

Use the example of the projection arrangement of laser array to comprise as follows:

5,704, No. 700 United States Patent (USP)s that are entitled as " Laser Illuminated Image Projection System and Method of Using Same " of the people such as Kappel, have described the use of micro laser array for projector illumination.

The people such as Kruschwitz are commonly assigned be entitled as " Electronic Imaging System Using Organic Laser Array Illuminating an Area Light Valve " 6,590, No. 454 United States Patent (USP)s, have described organic laser for the use of laser lighting is provided to spatial light modulator.

The people's such as Mooradian No. 2006/0023173 United States Patent (USP) that is entitled as " Projection Display Apparatus, System, and Method " is open, has described the use of extended cavity surface emitting semiconductor laser array for throwing light on; 7,052, No. 145 United States Patent (USP)s that are entitled as " Displays Using Solid-State Light Sources " of Glenn, have described and have adopted micro laser array for the different display embodiment of projector illumination.

6 of being entitled as of the people such as Lang " Laser Diode Array Assemblies With Optimized Brightness Conservation ", 240, No. 116 United States Patent (USP)s, the encapsulation with high cooling efficiency of conventional laser rod emitting diode and laser edge-emitting diode has been discussed, and has been described with the lens that are combined with reverberator with by removing or reducing the disperse-size product (light exhibition amount) that two-dimensional array is reduced at interval between collimated light beam.

Each in the scheme of these types has difficult point.700 of Kappel has instructed the monolithic array of coherent laser as the use of the light source in image projection, thus the quantity of laser instrument is selected to mate with the power demand of the lumen output to projector.Yet in high lumen projection instrument, this method demonstrates a large amount of difficulties.The rate that manufactures a finished product declines along with the increase of number of devices, and the heat problem of more massive array may be significant.For monolithic Integrated design, coherence also may have problems.The coherence of lasing light emitter causes illusion conventionally, such as optical interference and hot spot.Therefore, preferably use the weak or destroyed laser array of coherence, room and time coherence.Although be supposed to from improving the position spectrum coherence of colour gamut, a small amount of expansion of spectrum also expects for the sensitivity of removing hot spot and interference, and a small amount of expansion of spectrum has also alleviated the colo(u)rimetric shift effect of single spectral sources.For example, this displacement may occur in tricolor projection's system, and this trichromatic system has the red, green and blue lasing light emitter of separation.If all lasing light emitters in solid color array combine and have narrow wavelength, and in operation wavelength, produce displacement, the white point of whole projector and color will exceed specification.On the other hand, in the situation that make array average with the little variation of wavelength, the sensitivity of the single colo(u)rimetric shift in total output is greatly diminished.Although as Kappel discusses, parts can be added to system to help to break this coherence, from cost and simple position, preferably utilization is organized slightly different equipment from different manufactures and is formed incoherent lasing light emitter substantially.In addition, preferably at source place, reduce space and the coherence time, as this incoherent most of devices that reduce outside source have been used the parts such as fan diffuser, fan diffuser has increased effective range (light exhibition amount) in source, cause extra light loss, and increased the expense of system.The little light exhibition amount that maintains laser instrument makes it possible to simplify optical train, and this is high expectations.

For projection application, having the laser array of special impact is various types of VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser, vertical cavity surface emitting laser) array, VECSEL (the Vertical Extended Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser that comprises Sen Niweier city, California Novalux company, vertical extended cavity surface-emitting laser) and NECSEL (Novalux Extended Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser, Novalux extended cavity surface-emitting laser) equipment.Yet, use the traditional scheme of these equipment easily to produce a large amount of problems.A kind of restriction relates to equipment yield.Largely Shangdi is due to heat problem and the encapsulation problem of critical component, and business-like VECSEL array extends along length, but in height limited; Conventionally, VECSEL array only has two row illuminace components.The use that surpasses two row trends towards increasing significantly yield rate difficulty.This physical constraints will make to become difficult for projection arrangement provides VECSEL illuminator, for example, as described in 7,052, No. 145 United States Patent (USP)s.When using the projection scheme proposing in No. 2006/0023173 United States Patent (USP) is open, brightness will be restricted.Although 6,950, No. 454 United States Patent (USP)s of the people such as Kruschwitz and other patent have been described the use of the laser array that uses organic VCSEL, these organic lasers are not had successfully commercialization.Except these problems, traditional VECSEL design is easy to produce the difficulty that power connects and dispels the heat.These laser instruments are high-power, and for example, doubling frequency produces and surpasses 3W available light to the single file laser apparatus in the two row equipment from Novalux company.Therefore, may there is important electric current demand and from the thermal load of not using electric current.Life-span and beam quality height depend on stable temperature and maintain.

Lasing light emitter is coupled to optical projection system and can presents other difficulty of using classic method fully not solve.For example, use the NECSEL laser instrument of Novalux, each color approximately needs the laser array of nine 2 row * 24, to approach the requirement of about 10,000 lumens of most of theaters.Expectation be to assemble discretely these light sources, to enough heat dissipations are provided, and for operate power and control signal and allow to make maintenance and replace the modular design that becomes and simplify.Yet, meanwhile, must synthesize the laser beam from a plurality of light sources, to form the single light beam that collimated light is provided.Owing to covering the scheme of independent light beam, at synthetic light beam overlayer, be invalid, thereby can lose part generation light.The corner assembly that has being arbitrarily incorporated in synthetic processing all can increase light exhibition amount and normally less desirable.What expect is to be redirected having a plurality of light beams of minimum interval between light beam, but uses traditional synthetic Beam Technique to be difficult for realizing.

Therefore, can find out the needs that have following illumination scheme: this illumination scheme utilizes the advantage of solid-state array light source and allows effectively to use solid state lighting component by DLP and LCOS modulator.

Summary of the invention

The present invention, by the bundle alignment cavity extending is along its length provided, has solved the needs of Projection Display to the brightness improving, and this bundle alignment cavity comprises:

Base portion, it has leading edge and two lateral edges;

Relative the first side wall and the second sidewall, the first side wall that this is relative and the second sidewall are connected to base portion and extend along the length of base portion;

Antetheca, this antetheca is positioned at the leading edge place of base portion and has outlet opening;

A plurality of array of source, it is through the first side wall or the second sidewall that the plurality of array of source is set to beam-pointing; And

A plurality of reverberators, the plurality of reverberator is installed on base portion, each reverberator has independently deflection and pitching regulating device, each reverberator matches with corresponding array of source, being arranged on reverberator on base portion is set to beam-pointing, for the length direction along bundle alignment cavity is by outlet opening, to form the two-dimentional parallel beam array of aiming at.

Feature of the present invention has been to provide a kind of apparatus and method of aiming at for following laser beam, and this laser alignment provides the two-dimentional collimated output beam array from a plurality of array of source.

Advantage of the present invention has been to provide a kind of for to devices a plurality of laser array compact package, that along output light path, parallel array is aimed at.

For those of ordinary skill in the art, below reading by reference to the accompanying drawings, during detailed description, these and other feature and advantage of the present invention will become obviously, in the accompanying drawings, illustrate and described exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is that use is for the schematic block diagram of traditional projection arrangement of the combined prism of different colours light path;

Fig. 2 is the presentation graphs that the light exhibition amount of optical system is shown;

Fig. 3 A illustrates the schematic block diagram having for the general layout of a plurality of Color Channels of image projection and the projection arrangement of many group projection optics elements;

Fig. 3 B is the schematic block diagram that the general layout of such projection arrangement is shown, this projection arrangement make a plurality of Color Channels combine with by single group of projection optics element for image projection;

The bundle schematically illustrated use reflecting surface of Fig. 4, that have solid-state laser array is aimed at;

Fig. 5 A illustrates to use light-redirecting prism for combining the diagrammatic side view from the illumination of a plurality of solid-state laser arrays;

Fig. 5 B is the skeleton view of the light-redirecting prism of Fig. 7 A;

Fig. 6 accepts from two diagrammatic side view of the light-redirecting prism of the light of homonymy not;

Fig. 7 is for combining the skeleton view from the bundle alignment cavity of the light of a plurality of solid-state laser arrays in an embodiment;

Fig. 8 is the skeleton view of bundle alignment cavity, and wherein top cover is removed and illustrates the laser array source of both sides;

Fig. 9 is the skeleton view of bundle alignment cavity, wherein, the relative position that is arranged on the reverberator on base portion and lid is shown;

Figure 10 is the skeleton view that the bundle alignment cavity of the adjustable reflector mount of the independence of one type is shown, and wherein, can't see a side and top cover;

Figure 11 is the planimetric map that the sidewall of bundle alignment cavity is shown;

Figure 12 is the planimetric map illustrating from the output bundle part of the laser array of a plurality of alignings;

Figure 13 is the top view that the representative light path of one of reverberator of installing on one of upper reverberator of installing in top and base portion is shown;

Figure 14 is the vertical view that the balanced optical path length of a part of restrainting alignment cavity is shown;

Figure 15 be balanced optical path length is shown can be how for simplifying optical element to adjust the skeleton view of output beam; And

Figure 16 is the skeleton view of the motor reflex mirror holder with independent adjustable pitching and deflection in an embodiment.

Embodiment

This instructions is devoted to following element especially, and this element has formed the part according to device of the present invention, or more directly cooperates mutually with device according to the present invention.Be appreciated that: the various forms that the element that does not specifically illustrate or describe can adopt those of ordinary skills to know.

Described herein and the accompanying drawing that illustrates, and is drawn this accompanying drawing and is not intended to illustrate physical size or ratio according to principle of work of the present invention for explanation.Due to the relative size of the parts part of laser array of the present invention, therefore some amplifications are essential, so that emphasize basic structural, shape and principle of work.

Embodiments of the invention solve the demand that improves light intensity for each Color Channel in electronic image projectors.The description of the whole backgrounds that can work to apparatus and method of the present invention for a better understanding of the present invention, has directive significance.The schematic diagram of Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B has illustrated two kinds of basic architectures of projection arrangement 10 in Fig. 1.Embodiments of the invention can be used as a part for the illuminator of any one in these basic architectures suitably.

First turn to Fig. 3 A, show the basic layout of the projection arrangement 10 using in a plurality of embodiment of the present invention.Show three

optical modulation passage

40r, 40g and 40b, each optical modulation passage is modulated one of elementary (primary) red, green or blue (RGB) color from illuminator 42.In each

optical modulation passage

40r, 40g and 40b, optional lens 50 can be directed to light optional polarization and keep in photoconduction 52.In the output of photoconduction 52, or in the light time otherwise receiving from lens 50, then lens 54 are oriented to light by integrator 51, for example, such as compound eye integrator or integrating rod (integrating bar).This light is gone to spatial light modulator 60, and spatial light modulator 60 is parts of the imaging system of projector apparatus 10.Spatial light modulator 60 is MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) (MEMS normally, micro-electromechanical systems) equipment, such as the reflection MEMS parts of DLP parts or other type, comprise the MEMS modulator elements of passing through reflection or by diffraction, light being modulated of any type.These equipment can be counted as " (the polarization state neutral) of polarization state neutrality ", and this is because these equipment are not to modulate the light at each pixel place by the polarization state of modulated pixels; For any pixel, any change of the polarization state of incident light---for function when the incident angle of incident light during from the surface reflection of MEMS of this pixel---is not noted.Can adjust light for the incident angle of MEMS spatial light modulator, so that undesirable arbitrarily polarization impact is minimized.Then the projection optics element 70 being illustrated by the broken lines generally in Fig. 3 A due to its many possible embodiment is directed to display surface 80 by the light after modulation.

Next forward Fig. 3 B to, color compositor 76 is upper for projection for the modulated light from each color of

light modulation channels

40r, 40g, 40b being synthesized to common output shaft A.Color compositor 76 can be prism assemblies or dichromatism surface (dichroic surface) assembly, such as the known X-cube of those of ordinary skill or other synthesis device in electronic imaging field.

Use in any the situation in these two kinds basic imaging system structures, the function of illuminator 42 is all identical: the synthetic light from two or more laser arrays, along common illumination path, aim at (align) each light beam.Fig. 4 illustrate a kind of in conjunction with a plurality of array of

source

44 and 44 ' to form the method for the larger array of the collimated light beam with aligning.One or more distribution catoptrons 46 can be for the optical axis that makes other array of source 44 ' and solid state light emitter array 44 consistent.Yet, can recognize, heat and space requirement may limit the quantity of array of source 44 that can be stacking by this way.In addition, the interval between light beam source is also subject to the constraint of this scheme.

Side view in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B and skeleton view illustrate a kind of light-redirecting prism 48 that uses and carry out synthetic the improving one's methods of light beam.Herein, illuminator 42 has been synthesized the laser from four solid-state light arrays 44, and it is concentrated on even than in the Geng little region, region of the arranged in arrays of Fig. 4.Light-redirecting prism 48 has the plane of incidence 32, and this plane of incidence 32 is accepted the light sending along transmit direction D1 from including the array of source 44 of laser instrument 26.Light is redirected to along the outbound course D2 that is substantially perpendicular to transmit direction D1 to come by output face 34.Light-redirecting prism 48 has redirection surface 36, and this redirection surface 36 has light-redirecting facet 38.Light-redirecting facet 38 is with respect to transmit direction D1 bevel, and light-redirecting facet 38 provides total internal reflection (TIR, Total Internal Reflection) for the light sending from laser instrument 26.These features can help the light path of this illumination is narrowed down when being staggered in the situation as shown in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B, and narrower light beam is provided.As shown in Figure 5 B, array of source 44 has a plurality of laser instruments 26 that L extends along its length separately.Light-redirecting facet 38 and other facet in redirection surface 36 extend along direction L equally.

Cross-sectional side view in Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of light-redirecting prism 48 in illuminator 42, with Fig. 5 A with shown in Fig. 5 B for using the embodiment of array of source to compare, the present embodiment provides compacter lighting arrangements.In this embodiment, light-redirecting prism 48 has two redirection surface 36, with the transmit direction D1 relative and the upper light of accepting from opposed facing array of source 44 of D1 '.Each redirection surface 36 has the facet of two types: light-redirecting facet 38 and the vertical incident facet 28 of incident light with from corresponding array of source 44.

Use total method of light-redirecting prism 48 to provide being used to form the improvement of the classic method of the light beam that collimates beam, but there are some restrictions in it.A problem relates to alignment difficulties.Utilize this light compositing geometry, must aim at very exactly each array of source 44, so that suitably by the suitable direction of light beam acquiring.This need to be registered to prism by the accurate registration of each lasing light emitter (register) or customization, and this has very high requirement to laser instrument installing mechanism.Because superpower laser produces significantly heat, therefore the needs that this heat will be removed can further make to install and aligning becomes complicated.Although this layout allows some sizes with scalability, this is subject to the restriction that array of source 44 can be placed how closely together.In addition, light-redirecting prism 48 may be difficult for installing, and the temperature that changes prism material under working condition may cause undesired birefringence and other problem.Suitably the increase in demand of shielding laser other complicated factor.

The invention solves the demand for the light source of such improvement, wherein, the present invention is by providing bundle alignment cavity always synthetic from the collimated light with a plurality of laser instruments of each wavelength for each Color Channel.For Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, bundle alignment cavity of the present invention is a part for the illuminator 42 in each corresponding

optical modulation passage

40r, 40g, 40b.

The skeleton view of Fig. 7 illustrates bundle alignment cavity 100, this bundle alignment cavity 100 synthesizes and replaces the output beam in a plurality of solid state light emitter arrays (such as laser array source), to produce the composite light beam being formed by a plurality of light beams, be depicted as in the present embodiment collimated light beam, all these light beams are parallel with the illumination axis A1 that the length direction of edge bundle alignment cavity 100 extends.Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrate each details of bundle alignment cavity 100 configurations in embodiment.

Different views with reference to Fig. 7 to Figure 11, bundle alignment cavity 100 has such base portion 110: this base portion 110 has leading edge 112 and back edge 114 and first side edge 116 and second side edge 118.Along first side edge 116 and second side edge 118, have respectively relative the first side wall 120 and the second sidewall 122, and the first side wall 120 and the second sidewall 122 extend along the length direction of bundle alignment cavity 100; And there is antetheca 132.Side opening 124 is arranged in sidewall 120 and 122, for making, from the light beam of array light source 140, enters bundle alignment cavity 100.Leave the light of bundle alignment cavity 100 through the outlet opening 128 of antetheca 132.A plurality of reverberators 130 to be to be set up with respect to sidewall 120 and 122 1 fixed inclinations, with by the beam-pointing from respective array light source 140 for making it leave bundle alignment cavity 100 by outlet opening 128, form the two-dimentional parallel beam array of aiming at.Reverberator 130 is installed to base portion 110, and is installed to alternatively lid 126.Each reverberator 130 has its oneself the independent adjusting device for pitching and deflection, allows the accurate aligning to the light beam from each array light source 140.Fig. 7 illustrates a plurality of regulating device accesses hole 154 being arranged on for this purpose in lid 126.One or more regulating device accesses hole 154 can alternately arrange along base portion 110.In the embodiment of Fig. 7, can realize the two all pitching and deflection adjusting device of reverberator that the reverberator that install lid and base portion install from lid 126.

The embodiment of the bundle alignment cavity 100 shown in Fig. 7 plants to Figure 11 has modular construction and tetragonal prism shape, and the lateral edges 116 of its

base portion

110 and 118 intersects with the first side wall 120 and the second sidewall 122.This layout is favourable and be beneficial to relatively easy installation to its compactedness.Yet the layout of other sidewall 120 and sidewall 122 is also possible.In alternate embodiments of the present invention, base portion 110 is for example other shape, and such as triangle, and base portion 110 only has leading edge and first side edge and second side edge.In another embodiment, base portion 110 is parts of larger chassis structure, and extends sidewall 120 and sidewall 122.The function of lid 126 can alternately be provided by some other parts or other structure on chassis.

The skeleton view of Fig. 8 illustrates bundle alignment cavity 100, and on these bundle alignment cavity 100 plates, assembling (populate) has 12 array sources 140, along each sidewall 120 and sidewall 122, respectively has six.This 12 array sources 140 be arranged on base portion 110 and lid 126 12 reverberators, 130 pairings on the two.Then, the output beam from each array source 140 of aiming at provides such output beam array 150: on xsect, consider, this output beam array 150 forms the two-dimentional light beam array of aiming at, and wherein, the effect in each array source 140 concentrates on the specific part of light beam.In an embodiment of the present invention, the output light as output beam array 150 sending from outlet opening 128 has the ratio of width to height that provides the pattern of primary beam (pattern), its size to be suitable for used spatial light modulator (for example spatial light modulator 160 in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B) is provided.

The skeleton view of Fig. 9 illustrates the position of the reverberator 130 of installing on the reverberator installed on the lid of the bundle alignment cavity 100 of assembling on the plate for Fig. 8 and base portion.The skeleton view of Figure 10 illustrates the embodiment that uses reflector mount 200, will be explained in more detail it subsequently.

The planimetric map of Figure 12 illustrates from the alignment in each solid-state light array source 140 of the bundle alignment cavity in Fig. 8 and how output beam array 150 is formed to the two-dimentional parallel beam array with rectangle the ratio of width to height of aligning.Embodiment for Fig. 7 to the bundle alignment cavity 100 shown in Figure 11, there are six synthetic portions with the reverberator 130 of installing on the base portion ，Gai bottom, bottom that the array light source 140 of pairing forms output beam array 150 mutually---array beams 142a, the 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e and the 142f that aim at.Similarly, there is with the reverberator 130 ，Gai top, top that the array light source 140 of pairing forms output beam array 150 mutually that covers

installation array bundle

144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, 144e and the 144f aiming at.For this identical pass that output illumination is formalized, tie up to shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.(shown in Fig. 7, as the output of output beam array 150, only represent that the part being provided by the reverberator 130 of installing on base portion exports.Note only having three appropriate locations in Fig. 7 to illustrate in six array light sources 140.) each in aligned array source 142a-142e and 144a-144e include the array from each light beam 148 of respective array light source 140.

Figure 13 illustrates its corresponding reverberator 130 in each array source 140 in one embodiment mutually to match for forming the top view of the bundle alignment cavity 100 of output beam array 150.

Array light source

141a, 141b, 141c, 141d, 141e and 141f are arranged on lid 126, and form respectively corresponding aligned

array bundle

144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, 144e and the 144f of Figure 12.Similarly,

array light source

140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e and 140f are arranged on base portion 110, and form respectively corresponding aligned

array bundle

142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e and the 142f of Figure 12.The array source 141c of top installation and the beam path of the array source 140d that install bottom in Figure 13, have been described (trace).The reverberator 130d installing on array source 140d and base portion matches mutually.Similarly, array source 141c matches mutually with the reverberator 131c that covers installation.

Although can make the lasing light emitter in array light source 140 be collimated, still have some to there is the type of laser of obvious beam divergence.Conventionally, the beam divergence at lasing light emitter place has different angles along orthogonal directions.Conventionally, use cylindrical lens elements or lenslet array or other optical element of output output or contiguous generating laser self that is arranged on generating laser self, so that beam divergence is corrected at least one orthogonal directions.Although can use bicylindrical shape lens (two lens separately with quadrature curvature of series connection) to proofread and correct two beam divergence directions, these lens are expensive and are difficult to suitably aim at.Therefore,, with respect to a line generating laser 148 in Figure 12, the beam divergence at laser array place may not all be corrected with respect to two axles, but conventionally only on x direction of principal axis, is corrected.Beam divergence on the orthogonal directions of the y axle shown in Figure 12 also needs to proofread and correct.

For proofreading and correct the traditional scheme that y Axial Bundle disperses, be that the cylindrical lens of collimation is provided in the output of each array.Yet this scheme is expensive, for example, for Fig. 7 increases by 12 additional lens to the parts of the bundle alignment cavity 100 in Figure 11.Alternatively, reverberator 130 can form the shape of cylinder rather than plane, to proofread and correct beam divergence.Yet each in these cylindrical lenss substantially will be more expensive to common plane mirror depicted in figure 11 than Fig. 8.In addition, plane curvature can make the regulating device of pitching and deflection more complicated.

Compare with cost and the complicacy of classic method for this problem, embodiments of the invention are by making the equivalent optical path of each lasing light emitter that the correction to beam divergence is provided, thus, because the divergence characterization of each light beam can be consistent, thereby allow only to use single cylindrical lens in output beam array.With reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15, show respectively vertical view and the skeleton view of the bundle alignment cavity 100 with phase aplanatism and single correction cylindrical lens 152.In the embodiment shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15, beam path replaces, and for example, uses with the arranged in arrays of staggered reverberator not identical shown in Figure 13 beam path is passed mutually.Figure 14 shows the balanced light path in a part of array source.Figure 15 shows each light source in a group pattern

light source

141a, 141b, 141c, 141d, 141e and 141f along the beam divergence of the linear array direction of transmitter.When these optical transmitting sets have equal light path, the angle of the light that incides cylindrical lens 152 sending from each light source is basic identical.Then cylindrical lens 152 can provide along the collimation of dispersing axle.In this way, each independent array light source does not need independently collimation optics.

Cylindrical lens 152 is only a kind of representative configuration.Conventionally, can have more than a kind of optical element in the path of alignment and for exporting light collimation is provided.For example, the cylindrical lens of intersection can be for proofreading and correct dispersing on every axle in two orthogonal axes.In alternate embodiments, in the path in each array source 140, be provided with independently collimation lens (not shown), make from the light of outlet opening 128 outputs in the situation that be collimated without the cylindrical lens 152 shown in Figure 15 or other collimation optics.

Bundle alignment cavity 100 has been used a plurality of reverberators 130, can adjust respectively pitching and deflection to each in these reverberators 130.With reference to Figure 16, show the reflector mount 200 of the bottom installation with this regulating power.Reflecting element 202 has the even support frame 204 of receiving substrate 210 of adjustable ground.In the situation that use the axle shown in Figure 16 to distribute, pitching regulating device is around x axle.Deflection adjusting device is around y axle.Be understood that a plurality of different reflector mount embodiment can be for restrainting the interior use of alignment cavity 100.

Bundle alignment cavity 100 of the present invention can be as the illumination system components of projector apparatus, and this projector apparatus is such as above with reference to the described device with basic architecture of the projector apparatus 10 in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B.From the light of bundle alignment cavity 100 outputs, can further be conditioned, such as using integrator rod or miscellaneous equipment to make its homogenising, thereby provide more uniform illuminating bundle for modulating.Reverberator 130 can be installed along single plane, and in the situation in the embodiment that install all bottoms as shown in FIG. 7, or reverberator 130 can be installed in two planes, as the top as shown in Fig. 8 install and the embodiment of bottom installation in.For high efficiency, reverberator 130 can be dichromatism surface.

The use of bundle alignment cavity of the present invention has been allowed to the package arrangement of following compactness, this layout is for gathering together the output light from a plurality of laser arrays, and do not introduce angular content, and therefore effectively increased the light exhibition amount for the illuminator of projector apparatus.Bundle alignment cavity, by high modularization, allows in the situation that independent laser array is replaced without the whole realignments of a plurality of parts in light path.At reverberator place, formed the regulating device to beam alignment, rather than by laser aid self readjusted or otherwise reconfigure to produce the adjusting to beam alignment.

For example as shown in Figure 7, array light source 140 is can be with modular mode packed and be installed into directly facing to the opening 124 in sidewall 120 and sidewall 122.This layout can contribute to reduce parasitic light, and in the situation that for the design of illuminator shielding laser be importantly may have specific value.

Special with reference to certain preferred embodiment of the present invention the present invention be have been described in detail, but will appreciate that: can implement various modification and improvement within the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, while describing laser array in detailed embodiment, other solid-state emissivity parts can be used as substituting.Support of lens and other optics also can add each light path to.Various types of sensors can be configured in one or more position in projector, so that light intensity in each Color Channel of sensing.Therefore, provide a kind of for aiming at the apparatus and method of solid state illumination sources.

list of parts

10. projector apparatus

12. light sources

14. prism assemblies

18. optical elements

20,20r, 20g, 20b. spatial light modulator

26. laser instruments

28. incident facets

30. projecting lens

32. planes of incidence

34. exit facets

36. redirection surface

38. light-redirecting facets

40r, 40g, 40b. optical modulation passage

42. illuminators

44,44 ', 44a, 44b. array of source

46. catoptrons

48. light-redirecting prisms

50. lens

51. integrators

52. photoconductions

54. lens

60. spatial light modulators

70. projection optics elements

76. color compositors

80. display surfaces

84. dichromatism surfaces

100. bundle alignment cavities

110. base portion

112. leading edge

114. back edge

116. first side edge

118. second side edge

120. the first side wall

122. second sidewalls

124. side opening

126. lid

128. outlet opening

130. reverberator

The reverberator of installing on 130d. base portion

The reverberator of installing on 131c. lid

132. antetheca

140,140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, 140f. array light source

141a, 141b, 141c, 141d, 141e, 141f. array light source

150. output beam arrays

142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e, 142f. aligned array bundle

144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, 144e, 144f. aligned array bundle

148. light beam

150. output beam arrays

152. cylindrical lens

154. regulating device access holes

200. reflector mount

202. reflecting element

204. framework

210. substrate

A, A1. axle

D1, D1 '. transmit direction

D2. outbound course

X, y. axle

Claims

1. the bundle alignment cavity extending along its length, comprising:

Base portion, described base portion has leading edge and two lateral edges;

Relative the first side wall and the second sidewall, described relative the first side wall and the second sidewall are connected to described base portion and extend along the length direction of described base portion;

Antetheca, described antetheca is positioned at the leading edge place of described base portion and has outlet opening;

A plurality of array of source, it is through described the first side wall or described the second sidewall that described a plurality of array of source are set to beam-pointing; And

A plurality of reverberators, described a plurality of reverberator is arranged on described base portion, each reverberator has independently deflection and pitching regulating device, each reverberator matches with corresponding array of source, being arranged on described reverberator on base portion is set to described beam-pointing, for the length direction along described bundle alignment cavity is by described outlet opening, to form the two-dimentional parallel beam array of aiming at.

2. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 1, wherein, described array of source be set to by light be oriented to through described the first side wall and described the second sidewall the two.

3. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 1, also comprise: spaced apart and be connected to the lid of described the first side wall and described the second sidewall with described base portion, and be installed to a plurality of reverberators on described lid, each reverberator has independently deflection and pitching regulating device, each reverberator matches with corresponding one dimension array of source, the reverberator of installing on described lid is set to described beam-pointing as the length direction along described bundle alignment cavity is by described outlet opening, described light beam forms the two-dimentional parallel beam array of described aligning together with the light beam being associated with the described reverberator being arranged on base portion.

4. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 3, wherein, adjustment hole is arranged in described lid, to lead to the reverberator being installed on lid and to be installed to the two described independently deflection and pitching regulating device of reverberator on base portion.

5. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 1, wherein, for each light beam in described light beam, the light path between each light source and described outlet opening is substantially equal.

6. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 5, wherein, each light beam that enters bundle alignment cavity is not dispersed correction about at least one axle, and described bundle alignment cavity also comprises the one or more optical elements of the light path of the two-dimentional parallel beam array that is arranged in described aligning, described one or more optical elements are set to disperse about at least one axle corrective beam.

7. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 6, wherein, the two-dimentional parallel beam array of the aligning of proofreading and correct is calibrated.

8. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 6, wherein, described one or more optical elements comprise cylindrical lens, described cylindrical lens provides the correction to described misconvergence of beams about an axle.

9. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 6, wherein, described one or more optical elements comprise pair of cross cylindrical lens, described pair of cross cylindrical lens provides the correction to described misconvergence of beams about two axles.

10. bundle alignment cavity according to claim 1, wherein, each light beam that enters described bundle alignment cavity is not dispersed correction about at least one axle, and wherein, described reverberator is the cylindrical reflector of dispersing about an axle corrective beam.

11. bundle alignment cavities according to claim 1, wherein, described light source is lasing light emitter.

12. bundle alignment cavities according to claim 1, wherein, described bundle alignment cavity is the parts of laser source systems, described laser source systems provides two-dimentional collimated laser beam array in laser projection system, and wherein, described laser projection system also comprises:

Illuminator, is configured to the laser homogenising that described illuminator is received;

Imaging system, is configured to and laser reciprocation by described illuminator homogenising; And

Optical projection system, is configured to laser image projector to display screen.

13. 1 kinds for aiming at the method for a plurality of light beams, comprising:

Be formed between the relative at least the first side wall that stretches out from base portion and the second sidewall and there is the chamber of efferent;

Along described base portion, a plurality of reverberators are installed at intervals between described the first side wall and described the second sidewall, wherein, each reverberator has independently deflection and pitching regulating device, and each reverberator with respect to described sidewall bevel arrange; And

A plurality of array of source are provided, and each array of source produces beam array and matches with corresponding reverberator, and described reverberator is set to the described efferent reflection towards described chamber by the beam array of the array of source from matched.

14. methods according to claim 13, also comprise: for described chamber provides lid, and along described lid, one or more additional reverberator is installed at intervals between described the first side wall and described the second sidewall, and provide a plurality of additional array of source, each additional array of source produces beam array and matches with corresponding additional reflector, and described additional reverberator is set to the described efferent reflection towards described chamber by the described beam array of the additional source of light array from pairing.